5.84 % decrease in voter turnout in Raichur dist

Raichur, May 18 (UNI) The voter turnout has come down by 5.84 per cent, compared to the 2004 elections, in Raichur district of the North Karnataka region in the second phase of elections to Karnataka Assembly, which was held on May 16.

According to official information received here yesterday, the average turnout in the district was 54.01 per cent as against 59.85 per cent in the 2004 elections. The district had recorded the lowest turnout in the polls in the state.

It may be noted that in 2004, the elections were held simultaneously to the Assembly and Lok Sabha.

The number of voters in the district had also increased to 12,47,868 from 10,82,77 in 2004. Only 6,73,934 voters had exercised their franchise in this election.

Sindhanur Assembly constituency topped the list with the highest voter turnout of 58.65 per cent, followed by Raichur Rural constituency, recording 56.27 per cent polling, Deodurga constituency (55.71 per cent), Manvi (54.66), Maski (53.59) Lingsugur (53.56) and Raichur City (45.19).

An election official said strict implementation of rules, and making photo identity cards mandatory were some of the reasons for the reduced turnout. Rigging was considerably reduced in all the constituencies, the official claimed.

Meanwhile, some technical problems had forced the election authorities to order repolling in two booths in Maski constituency, which was being held.

UNI DP SJ RL HT1341